is it impossible to go back?

[halos]

I was wondering...
to all you cruisers with many sails under your belt:
Once you sail on one of the bigger/newer ships, how hard is it to put yourself back on to one of the older/smaller ones? Is it extremely painful http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[tef43]

Not at all.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://members.aol.com/guitarzen/detroit100.gif
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else in the works as well. Watch this space.
Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[jemingway]

It wasn't for me, but I am a "bottom feeder". i would rather have the cheaper cruise without state of the art features. I don't hesitate to go out on boat rides with my friends and none of them have a rock climbing wall on board. No specialty restaurants either! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

JV

[Cotton]

Nope. I'm happy just being at sea.

Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003

[imatarb]

Although I only have two cruises under my belt, I completely agree with all those above. I don't care about the size of the ship and whether it has all the 'bells and whistles'..I'm just happy to be at sea.

DH said he'd like to look into a Star Clipper cruise, so that tells ya how much he's into glitz and glam! LOL...

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;5;9;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until VICTORY is ours 5/9/04


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[Iam4cruising]

Do not look at it like that. We take a bigger (ship and duration) cruise every 18 months or so and then one or two of the shorter (smaller ship and 3/4 day) a year. That way I can cruise a few times a year and still afford it. Do I prefer the larger ships -not always, sometimes they can seem real crowded. As a previous thread said -I just enjoy being on the sea and the cruise is what you make of it, not the size of the vessel. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[CruiseFever]

While many have no problem "going back" I really have no desire to. I tried going back and didn't like it. Now, with the Spirit class ships thrown in the mix it would be especially hard; I just love those.

Still, if given the choice of sitting around doing nothing here in Kansas or sailing on, say, the Ecstasy again it would be an easy choice...that smaller ship would be JUST FINE!

For me it would not be impossible but it would not be my first choice, all things equal

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[tef43]

I do not base a cruise decision on the ship, but rather dates, price and itinerary. If the old TSS Carnivale suddenly reappeared in the fleet and was sailing to some desireable ports, I'd be on her like a pirhana on a corn dog. I *loved* that ship.

I do not nead, nor want, rock walls and/or skating rinks on my ship. Bigger is not necessarily better. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Triumph immensely, it's just that ship size and newness are not make-or-break factors for me. As for "new" ships, that's an entirely different matter. I would much prefer to wait at least a year to allow them to work out all the bugs. I was once on a ship's tenth voyage, and they weren't even close to getting it right.

I wonder if people realize that the Spirit-class ships are only marginally larger, in terms of passenger capacity, than those in the Fantasy class? It's not the size, but what you do with it, that counts. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://members.aol.com/guitarzen/detroit100.gif
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else in the works as well. Watch this space.
Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[Catrin]

Well...
Then I am opposite. I am one of those cruisers who think Bigger is Better. I love the size of the Destiny Class Ships...Maybe it is a comfort thing, maybe I love the balconies.. but I cannot see myself choosing a Fantasy Class at all.
I would like to try the Spirit Class.. although they are smaller.. they are longer...

Cathy

http://w1.511.telia.com/~u51102888/anims/animal2/dolphin.gif
Ecstacy October 1992
Destiny October 1999
TRIUMPH May2003


Our TRIUMPHant Return! May 15th
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;05;15;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
http://community.webshots.com/user/catrin0917

[kodiac]

We like any cruise ship; however, the larger, bigger, newer ones are nice http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif We sometimes go on small 3 - 4 day trips to "get away". These are usually on smaller ships but are just as nice.

I would rather be cruising...

Kodiac http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Star Princess (Honeymoon Cruise 10/24/2004)
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;10;24;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Carnival Inspiration 05/02/2004
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Carnival Glory 10/11/2003
Carnival Legend 04/2003
Carnival Fascination 06/2002
Carnival Inspiration 11/2001
Majesty of the Seas 8/2000

[Snowball]

For me, the age of the ship is more of a factor than it's size. I just don't think I would be happy sailing on a ship that was several years old and showing major signs of wear & tear. JMHO

Debbie http://www.roundrockrelocation.com/smiley-faces64.gif

Click here to visit the Miracle Party Cruiser's Group Board. (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=frm&s=927093444&f=9693073227)

Here is a link to the 5/9/04 Carnival Miracle roll call! (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=927093444&f=6963067357&m=4603060727&p=1)
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Click here for the 10/22/04 Legend CTN roll call! (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=927093444&f=6963067357&m=1103001947&p=1)
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Triumph (Eastern) 05/00
Destiny (Southern) 04/02
Miracle (Bahamas) 05/04
Legend (Nowhere) 10/04

[deborahjo]

For me I don't like the bigger ones. Way to many people. Anything over 2200 guests are way to many for me.

[tef43]

It's true, if you want a balcony on Carnival, you need to stay away from the Fantasy-class ships, unless you want to book Cat 11 or 12.

Bottom line is *you* have to decide what is important to make your cruise experience enjoyable.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://members.aol.com/guitarzen/detroit100.gif
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else in the works as well. Watch this space.
Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[Brneyznfl]

I don't have any problems going back to an older and smaller ship as long as it's for a short cruise..3 or 4 days. I'd rather be on a newer ship when I cruise 7 days.

http://www.bigotis.com/Glory/Atom.gif (BrneyznFL@aol.com)

http://www.bigotis.com/Sensation.gif
Next Cruises! SENSATION 5/6/04 then MIRACLE 2/13/05!

Triumph, Inspiration, Holiday, Explorer of the Seas, Granduer of the Seas, Glory Hounds I, Conquestadors

[glrounds]

Been on the GLORY, a couple days from the PRIDE, and at least for now, the ELATION (fantasy-class) remains my all time favorite.
I never book a balcony, but I can see how this would be a major issue with the Fantasy-class for those that do book balconies.

It would, however, never matter to me provided the ship is kept up, which the ELATION always was. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Itinerary and price rules all for me.

Gary http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.cruisemates.com/animated/Dolphins.gif

[Andrea72]

The Destiny class are my favorite, but I've enjoyed the smaller too. I went on the Inspiration and had a great time, and in May I'm going on the Celebration out of Galveston. I can't wait. I guess it all depends on what you're looking for. If you want a quick get away, then the smaller ships afford you that. I sail whenever on whatever I can http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

http://www.animatedgif.net/animals/mystical/malwave_e0.gif

'99 Norwegian Sea
'00 Triumph
'01 Victory
'01 Spirit
'02 Inspiration
'02 Conquest

[pjhmama]

I've been on all sizes - It doesn't matter to me as long as I get to go. Smaller older boats are easier to get around. But I find that after several cruises you can find your way around any of them. I prefer the larger newer ships but I'm going on the Holiday (3rd time) next Sat. AND I plan to have a really good time!!!!!

[OhioBeachBum]

We are still talking about the size of the ships, right? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Loved the Miracle 4/12/04

Great, now I'm hooked!

[CanTex]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

I wonder if people realize that the Spirit-class ships are only marginally larger, in terms of passenger capacity, than those in the Fantasy class? It's not the size, but what you do with it, that counts. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is a very valid point. The Spirit class ships are over 100' longer than the Fantasy class, have 2 more full decks of space (12 vs. 10) yet passenger capacity is less than 100 more. No comparison on balcony options! Yet - we still loved the Elation last month. It has been maintained in excellent shape and has a great crew!

[halos]

This question was just for conversation purposes. For me...heck, I'd sail on anything...just keep me on the sea. It's all I want.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[imlulu]

Well I am with Chris. We like newer ships. I guess I am by myself but there are ships I wouldn't go on in even if it was for free.just me...

No longer cruiseless...donations still accepted! Miracle 2/2005

Last cruise
Sensation 2/17/03

[tef43]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by imlulu:
but there are ships I wouldn't go on in even if it was for free<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Me too, and they all start with Costa...

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://members.aol.com/guitarzen/detroit100.gif
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else in the works as well. Watch this space.
Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[judyf]

It doesn't matter to me just get me on a ship.

Judy
CCL Inspiration 4/4-4/11/04
NCL Sea 4/14-4/27/03
Wonder 5/16-5/19/02
Wonder 5/3-5/8/01
Fantasy 2/15-2/18/01

[glrounds]

The Spirit-class ships are intentionally designed to be longer so they can be made narrower (beam) than their Conquest-class cousins. This narrow beam of 106' just barely lets them "slide" through the Panama Canal. This gives them the versatility of being able to be placed at many more North American markets.

Going to try one of these "skinny-minny" ships, the PRIDE this Sunday for a week. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Gary http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.cruisemates.com/animated/Dolphins.gif

[crisp1]

I'm one who loves the 'newer' ships, but always try to see some new ports. Like some previous posters, if the price/time is right, and it's going to someplace 'new' I'd cruise the SS Minnow http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif, However, I might 'repeat' just to experience the Spirit class



To Sea, or not, to See.
Starward 81, Volendam 83, Oceanic 87, Majestic 93, Victory 2/10/02, Imagination 5/23/02, 1/30/03, Conquest 12/28/03, Destiny 04/11/04

Conquest New Years Cruise
http://community.webshots.com/user/crisp1028

[jemingway]

It's not like Field of Dreams...you can go back.

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[basser]

Andrea
We live in Plano also and will be on the June 10 sailing of the
celebration. Be sure to do a review when you get back.

[pazooter]

We are good to go on any size ship. What do we look for? The itinerary, the service, the Days at Sea, the sailaways, the time away from a phone, the food, the entertainment, the captain's party, the rocking to sleep on board, . . . and much, much more. Size of ship has nothing to with our choices. Cathy

http://www.pazooter.com/bandc.gif (http://www.pazooter.com)


http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2211ff&cdt=2004;06;27;11;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600

Until our **STAR** search
Seattle to Alaska on NCL Star
June 27, 2004

Fantasy 12/25/03
Inspiration 4/13/03
NCL Majesty 12/27/02
Jubilee 3/23/02
Norwegian Sea 11/23/01

[crusinmama22]

We prefer the spirit class ships because of the layout of the ship. We did not like the Destiny class and actually hated the Destiny unless it was free or almost free we would not ever go back to the Destiny.

We liked the fantasy class but the layout of the Spirit is THE BEST!

Festival 2/79
Imagination 2/98
Destiny 2/00
Spirit 2/02
Legend 2/03
Miracle 12/04

[RYPERO]

I just love my balcony and the Spirit class gives me plenty to choose from!!!!

Carnival Pride 2/08/04
Carnival Pride 2/03
Inspiration 1/02
Ecstasy 5/01

[voyagerfl]

We love the older more Classic ships.
A little wear is no problem as long as it's clean.

Most of them are gone now.....many of them were lost when Premier Cruise lines went bankrupt. As they had collected quite a few of them.